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Yesterday I reviewed the new Be A Mermaid & Make Waves Eyeshadow Palette (read here) from Tarte. So today, I'm back to share with you the rest of the Tarte Mermaid Collection. Right on time for the festival season and perfect for creating a dreamy beach-ready makeup, the collection offers everything from skincare to beauty tools. To read my reviews of the full lineup and see some swatches, click......
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Be A Mermaid & Make Waves Eyeshadow Palette ($50 CAD):
Undoubtly the centerpiece of this collection, this 14-shade eyeshadow palette offers a beachy range of metallic gold and browns with a few pops of blue. The palette is shaped like a clamshell and it is covered in a mesmerizing fabric reminiscent of a mermaid's tail. I wrote a separate review for this palette and you can check it out here.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | H2O Gloss ($23 CAD):
Available in 14 summery shades, the new H2O Gloss is described as a "water-based lip gloss packed with ocean-sourced nutrients". Interestingly, the first ingredient of the gloss is not water (which is actually the 14th ingredient), but a synthetic non-polar polymer called hydrogenated polyisobutene. I have no problem with that as the ingredient is a supposedly a great alternative to mineral oils. However, given the name and description of the product, it certainly feels a little misleading. Also infused with extracts of algae and Tahitian gardenia, coconut oil, and vitamin E, the gloss promises to soften the lips while diminishing the look of fine lines.
Packaged in a clear acrylic tube paired with a yellow to blue ombre cap adorned with raised, clear water droplet embossings, the H2O Gloss has a paddle-shaped doe foot applicator that's flattened on both sides. The formulation is rather viscous and slightly difficult to spread on the lips. The finish is shiny but it's also quite sticky. I'm not really a lip gloss person to begin as I hate how my hair always gets caught on my lips so the sticky finish really doesn't help with that. Nevertheless, these glosses look very flattering on the lips, with the non-shimmery shades offering quite a bit of pigmentation as well. The formulation is still lightweight despite being sticky and it has a sweet vanilla scent. Additionally, the colors wear well with minimal settling and bleeding. See below for a breakdown of all 14 shades.
Out of Office: This is a muted plum with a subtle sprinkling of pink shimmers. The formulation is quite sheer.
Bahamas: This is a brown duochrome shimmer with a purple/blue shift.
Getaway: A rosy shimmery brown, Getaway is nicely pigmented with an almost frosty finish.
Sandy Toes: This is a sheer peach with soft golden shimmers.
Oasis: A very sheer baby blue shimmer, Oasis has an iridescent lavender sheen.
Bora Bora: This is a beautiful iridescent shimmer suspended in a clear, pearly base. The formulation features slightly bigger sparkles as well but the texture is smooth and non-gritty.
Fiji: A frosty lavender shimmer, Fiji has a subtle blue duochrome effect.
Maldives: This is a creamy magenta. The formulation is nicely pigmented so you can either go sheer or build to a full coverage.
Maui: A super pigmented hot pink, Maui is my personal favorite from the collection.
Resort Life: A bright orange-red, Resort Life is another very pigmented shade. The formulation actually has some gold and pink shimmers but they are very subtle and barely noticeable.
Zipline: This is a creamy soft coral that's surprisingly pigmented.
Room Service: A flattering mauve cream, Room Service is a flattering and sophisticated nude.
Hang Ten: This is a creamy rosy beige. Like Room Service, it's a nice neutral option.
Sundress: A peachy creamy nude, Sundress is quite sheer in comparison to the other non-shimmery shades.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Limited Edition Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara ($30 CAD):
Tarte's bestselling mascara gets a mermaid makeover with this special, limited edition packaging. This version is fitted with a snug fabric case covered in a layer of gorgeous teal glitters. The glitters are sealed in a clear vinyl coating so there is no shedding with handling.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Chrome Paint Shadow Pot in "Beach Bae" ($27 CAD):
A new shade added to the Chrome Paint Shadow Pot family, "Beach Bae" is a stunning metallic warm gold. The formulation is technically a loose shadow but it has a rather creamy, butter-like texture. Made with over 80% pigments, the color is super intense and high-shine. I would recommend applying directly using the fingertips to really pack on the color.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Limited Edition Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in "Exposed" ($25 CAD):
This is a specially-packaged version of the Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in "Exposed". The cap is decorated with a multi-colored oil-slick sticker design while the color is a neutral peachy tan. Check out my full review and swatches of this shade here.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Tarteist Holographic Lip Gloss ($25 CAD):
This is a gorgeous iridescent lip gloss designed to add a splash of shine and shimmer to your lips. Packed with super fine shimmers and glitters that shift between pink, lavender, and blue, the gloss is vanilla-scented, lightweight, and non-sticky. If you are enraptured by the H2O Gloss in "Bora Bora", this is actually a really good alternative. The shades are virtually identical (this one is just a hair more lavender than pink) but the Tarteist version is more comfortable on the lips.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Limited Edition Timeless Smoothing Primer ($47 CAD for 15ml):
Housed in a limited edition frosted glass jar topped with a cute glitter-covered lid, the Timeless Smoothing Primer is a silicone primer infused with vitamin E, vitamin C, and green bean extract. The primer has a thick but lightweight texture and it instantly fills in any fine lines and pores, leaving behind a natural matte finish. As someone with very oily skin, I'm not a fan of silicone-based primers as they tend to make my makeup feel super icky and heavy at the end of the day. However, if you have a normal skin type and generally prefer silicone-based primers (ex. Benefit Porefessional), then this is a good one to try.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O Serum ($55 CAD for 50ml):
Made with water, sodium hyaluronate, and algae extract, this is a simple hydrating serum housed in a convenient pump bottle printed with a pretty aquatic design. The serum itself is clear and has a fairly runny consistency. It goes on very smoothly and absorbs within in seconds. The formulation has very little alcohol (phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative) and it is silicone-free, leaving behind virtually no residue. It definitely needs to be paired with a regular moisturizer for optimal moisturization but if you are looking for an extra boost of hydration in your skincare routine, then this is perfect!
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Mer-mist Shimmer Spray ($29 CAD):
A fun face and body shimmer spray formulated with algae extract, coconut oil, and vitamin E, the Mer-mist Shimmer Spray comes in plastic spray bottle paired with an ombre cap embossed with clear, raised water droplets. The water-based formulation contains very little alcohol and it is sprinkled with a dash of iridescent shimmers that shift between orange, gold, and green. The shimmer particles will settle so shake well before use. The mist provides an even distribution of glitters and the effect is very pretty. However, I personally wouldn't use it on the face unless as the predominately orange-colored sparkles feel a little too "festival" for daily use. With that said, it's definitely suitable for the arms and decolletage area. My favorite part is the mist's beautiful coconut scent. It doesn't linger around for long but it smells so heavenly when freshly sprayed!
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Minutes to Mermaid Brush Set ($54 CAD):
Undoubtly the must-have item from this collection for many people, this five-piece brush set is what mermaid dreams are made of. Included is a powder brush, a blush brush, a stipping highlighter brush, a fluffy blending brush, and a pencil brush. The bristles are synthetic, cruelty-free and they are tinted with a soft magenta color. The handles are shaped like a mermaid's tail and they are finished with an eye-catching gradient design. The overall quality of the brushes are very good but these to me are more of a collector's item. They are perfect for a vanity display but way too pretty to use!
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Mermaid Body Jewels & Face Jewels ($15 CAD each) & Mermaid Sea-quins ($12 CAD):
Probably my personal favorites from this collection, these are three sets of fun body jewelry and glitters designed to create the ultimate mermaid look. The Body Jewels set features large teardrop-shaped gems, opalescent pearls, and smaller pink crystals while the Face Jewels set includes smaller multi-colored crystals. All the pieces are attached and connected to each other via an adhesive backing that sticks very well to skin. Because the adhesive for the Body Jewels set looks very obvious against the skin, I would recommend cutting out each individual pieces for a more realistic look. The adhesive backings aren't reusable but you can always detach the gems and use a skin-safe, liquid adhesive to repurpose the pieces.
Finally, the Mermaid Sea-quins is simply a package of loose iridescent glitters that shifts between lavender, green, and blue. You get a mix of mini hexagonal glitters, small diamond-shaped glitters, and larger hexagonal glitters that look like fish scales. These are supposed to be applied on top of the Tarte Mermaid Glitter Gel (not shown here) but I was able to get them to stick to the skin with the Mermaid Skin H2O Serum. For quick, mess-free removal, I recommend taking a large strip of tape and dabbing it on top of the glitters to remove them without fallouts.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Limited Edition Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler ($25 CAD):
Last but not least is this adorable special edition of the Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler. With little fin-shaped handles and a rainbow chrome finish, the design is very mermaid-esque. The clamp has a straighter design so I find that it's not great at reaching corner lashes and the pad is way too squishy to create long-lasting curls. I personally wouldn't recommend it but the design is very charming. Additionally, it comes with a mini-sized Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara.
Here is a mermaid-inspired makeup look I created using this Tarte Collection. I used the eyeshadow palette for the eyes (see a detailed breakdown with close-ups here) and combined the H2O Gloss in "Maui" with the Tarteist Holographic Lip Gloss for the lips. I went a little crazy and used all three of the Body Jewels, Face Jewels, and Mermaid Sea-quins around my eye area to really amp up the look. Finally, I finished off the complexion with a few sprays of the Mer-mist Shimmer Spray although the effect is not noticeable in the photo.
Overall, this is an epic collection! In terms of theme and packaging, I'm completely head-over-heels in love! I found the H2O Glosses to be a tad too sticky but the Be A Mermaid & Make Waves palette is great for those that love shimmery and metallic eyeshadows. My other personal picks include the Hyaluronic H2O Serum, the Minutes to Mermaid Brush Set, the Tarteist Holographic Lip Gloss, and the Mermaid Body and Face Jewels. Have you spotted this collection in stores yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Availability:
Tarte is available in stores and online at Sephora and Tarte online.
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Be A Mermaid & Make Waves Eyeshadow |
Undoubtly the centerpiece of this collection, this 14-shade eyeshadow palette offers a beachy range of metallic gold and browns with a few pops of blue. The palette is shaped like a clamshell and it is covered in a mesmerizing fabric reminiscent of a mermaid's tail. I wrote a separate review for this palette and you can check it out here.
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | H2O Gloss |
Available in 14 summery shades, the new H2O Gloss is described as a "water-based lip gloss packed with ocean-sourced nutrients". Interestingly, the first ingredient of the gloss is not water (which is actually the 14th ingredient), but a synthetic non-polar polymer called hydrogenated polyisobutene. I have no problem with that as the ingredient is a supposedly a great alternative to mineral oils. However, given the name and description of the product, it certainly feels a little misleading. Also infused with extracts of algae and Tahitian gardenia, coconut oil, and vitamin E, the gloss promises to soften the lips while diminishing the look of fine lines.
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | H2O Gloss |
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | H2O Gloss |
Bahamas: This is a brown duochrome shimmer with a purple/blue shift.
Getaway: A rosy shimmery brown, Getaway is nicely pigmented with an almost frosty finish.
Sandy Toes: This is a sheer peach with soft golden shimmers.
Oasis: A very sheer baby blue shimmer, Oasis has an iridescent lavender sheen.
Bora Bora: This is a beautiful iridescent shimmer suspended in a clear, pearly base. The formulation features slightly bigger sparkles as well but the texture is smooth and non-gritty.
Fiji: A frosty lavender shimmer, Fiji has a subtle blue duochrome effect.
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | H2O Gloss |
Maui: A super pigmented hot pink, Maui is my personal favorite from the collection.
Resort Life: A bright orange-red, Resort Life is another very pigmented shade. The formulation actually has some gold and pink shimmers but they are very subtle and barely noticeable.
Zipline: This is a creamy soft coral that's surprisingly pigmented.
Room Service: A flattering mauve cream, Room Service is a flattering and sophisticated nude.
Hang Ten: This is a creamy rosy beige. Like Room Service, it's a nice neutral option.
Sundress: A peachy creamy nude, Sundress is quite sheer in comparison to the other non-shimmery shades.
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Chrome Paint Shadow Pot in "Beach Bae" & Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara |
Tarte's bestselling mascara gets a mermaid makeover with this special, limited edition packaging. This version is fitted with a snug fabric case covered in a layer of gorgeous teal glitters. The glitters are sealed in a clear vinyl coating so there is no shedding with handling.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Chrome Paint Shadow Pot in "Beach Bae" ($27 CAD):
A new shade added to the Chrome Paint Shadow Pot family, "Beach Bae" is a stunning metallic warm gold. The formulation is technically a loose shadow but it has a rather creamy, butter-like texture. Made with over 80% pigments, the color is super intense and high-shine. I would recommend applying directly using the fingertips to really pack on the color.
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Chrome Paint Shadow Pot in "Beach Bae" |
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in "Exposed" & Holographic Lip Gloss |
This is a specially-packaged version of the Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in "Exposed". The cap is decorated with a multi-colored oil-slick sticker design while the color is a neutral peachy tan. Check out my full review and swatches of this shade here.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Tarteist Holographic Lip Gloss ($25 CAD):
This is a gorgeous iridescent lip gloss designed to add a splash of shine and shimmer to your lips. Packed with super fine shimmers and glitters that shift between pink, lavender, and blue, the gloss is vanilla-scented, lightweight, and non-sticky. If you are enraptured by the H2O Gloss in "Bora Bora", this is actually a really good alternative. The shades are virtually identical (this one is just a hair more lavender than pink) but the Tarteist version is more comfortable on the lips.
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Timeless Smoothing Primer, Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O Serum & Mer-mist Shimmer Spray |
Housed in a limited edition frosted glass jar topped with a cute glitter-covered lid, the Timeless Smoothing Primer is a silicone primer infused with vitamin E, vitamin C, and green bean extract. The primer has a thick but lightweight texture and it instantly fills in any fine lines and pores, leaving behind a natural matte finish. As someone with very oily skin, I'm not a fan of silicone-based primers as they tend to make my makeup feel super icky and heavy at the end of the day. However, if you have a normal skin type and generally prefer silicone-based primers (ex. Benefit Porefessional), then this is a good one to try.
Tarte Mermaid Collection | Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O Serum ($55 CAD for 50ml):
Made with water, sodium hyaluronate, and algae extract, this is a simple hydrating serum housed in a convenient pump bottle printed with a pretty aquatic design. The serum itself is clear and has a fairly runny consistency. It goes on very smoothly and absorbs within in seconds. The formulation has very little alcohol (phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative) and it is silicone-free, leaving behind virtually no residue. It definitely needs to be paired with a regular moisturizer for optimal moisturization but if you are looking for an extra boost of hydration in your skincare routine, then this is perfect!
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Mer-mist Shimmer Spray |
A fun face and body shimmer spray formulated with algae extract, coconut oil, and vitamin E, the Mer-mist Shimmer Spray comes in plastic spray bottle paired with an ombre cap embossed with clear, raised water droplets. The water-based formulation contains very little alcohol and it is sprinkled with a dash of iridescent shimmers that shift between orange, gold, and green. The shimmer particles will settle so shake well before use. The mist provides an even distribution of glitters and the effect is very pretty. However, I personally wouldn't use it on the face unless as the predominately orange-colored sparkles feel a little too "festival" for daily use. With that said, it's definitely suitable for the arms and decolletage area. My favorite part is the mist's beautiful coconut scent. It doesn't linger around for long but it smells so heavenly when freshly sprayed!
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Minutes to Mermaid Brush Set |
Undoubtly the must-have item from this collection for many people, this five-piece brush set is what mermaid dreams are made of. Included is a powder brush, a blush brush, a stipping highlighter brush, a fluffy blending brush, and a pencil brush. The bristles are synthetic, cruelty-free and they are tinted with a soft magenta color. The handles are shaped like a mermaid's tail and they are finished with an eye-catching gradient design. The overall quality of the brushes are very good but these to me are more of a collector's item. They are perfect for a vanity display but way too pretty to use!
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Mermaid Sea-quins (Left), Body Jewels (Center) & Face Jewels (Right) |
Probably my personal favorites from this collection, these are three sets of fun body jewelry and glitters designed to create the ultimate mermaid look. The Body Jewels set features large teardrop-shaped gems, opalescent pearls, and smaller pink crystals while the Face Jewels set includes smaller multi-colored crystals. All the pieces are attached and connected to each other via an adhesive backing that sticks very well to skin. Because the adhesive for the Body Jewels set looks very obvious against the skin, I would recommend cutting out each individual pieces for a more realistic look. The adhesive backings aren't reusable but you can always detach the gems and use a skin-safe, liquid adhesive to repurpose the pieces.
Finally, the Mermaid Sea-quins is simply a package of loose iridescent glitters that shifts between lavender, green, and blue. You get a mix of mini hexagonal glitters, small diamond-shaped glitters, and larger hexagonal glitters that look like fish scales. These are supposed to be applied on top of the Tarte Mermaid Glitter Gel (not shown here) but I was able to get them to stick to the skin with the Mermaid Skin H2O Serum. For quick, mess-free removal, I recommend taking a large strip of tape and dabbing it on top of the glitters to remove them without fallouts.
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Limited Edition Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler |
Last but not least is this adorable special edition of the Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler. With little fin-shaped handles and a rainbow chrome finish, the design is very mermaid-esque. The clamp has a straighter design so I find that it's not great at reaching corner lashes and the pad is way too squishy to create long-lasting curls. I personally wouldn't recommend it but the design is very charming. Additionally, it comes with a mini-sized Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara.
 |
| Tarte Mermaid Collection | Makeup Look |
Overall, this is an epic collection! In terms of theme and packaging, I'm completely head-over-heels in love! I found the H2O Glosses to be a tad too sticky but the Be A Mermaid & Make Waves palette is great for those that love shimmery and metallic eyeshadows. My other personal picks include the Hyaluronic H2O Serum, the Minutes to Mermaid Brush Set, the Tarteist Holographic Lip Gloss, and the Mermaid Body and Face Jewels. Have you spotted this collection in stores yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Availability:
Tarte is available in stores and online at Sephora and Tarte online.
